If you’re craving a pizza night that feels a little more elevated than your usual pepperoni pie, this Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach is just the recipe you need. Earthy mushrooms, tangy goat cheese, vibrant spinach, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze come together on a crisp, golden crust to create a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen.
This pizza is the perfect combination of rich and light, indulgent and fresh. It’s vegetarian, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for friends, a cozy date night, or just want to treat yourself, this pizza delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza
-
Elegant and Flavorful: Savory mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, and sweet balsamic glaze are a gourmet match made in heaven.
-
Easy to Make: No pizza oven required—just a standard oven and a few simple ingredients.
-
Vegetarian-Friendly: A meat-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice depth or satisfaction.
-
Customizable: Add extra toppings or use your favorite crust.
-
Perfect for Sharing: Serve it as a main dish or slice it up as a party appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pizza:
-
1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1 cup fresh baby spinach
-
1 cup mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or a mix), sliced
-
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
-
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
-
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional for extra flavor)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Balsamic Glaze:
-
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
-
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Equipment You’ll Need
-
Pizza stone or baking sheet
-
Rolling pin (optional)
-
Parchment paper
-
Medium skillet
-
Small saucepan (for balsamic glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
-
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add balsamic vinegar and honey.
-
Bring to a gentle simmer and let reduce for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Once it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and let cool. It will thicken slightly more as it cools.
Tip: You can make this glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and their moisture evaporates—about 6–8 minutes.
-
Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir in garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Dough
-
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
-
Roll out or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
-
Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.
4. Assemble the Pizza
-
Brush dough lightly with olive oil.
-
Scatter the sautéed mushrooms evenly over the crust.
-
Top with fresh spinach (it will wilt in the oven), crumbled goat cheese, and shredded mozzarella (if using).
-
Add red onion slices if desired.
-
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Bake
-
Bake pizza for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
-
If using a pizza stone, slide the parchment and pizza directly onto it for extra crispness.
6. Finish with Balsamic Glaze
-
Remove pizza from the oven and drizzle generously with balsamic reduction.
-
Let cool for a minute, slice, and serve.
Flavor Tips & Variations
1. Use Mixed Mushrooms
A combination of shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms adds complexity and texture.
2. Make It Creamy
Add a light layer of ricotta cheese or béchamel as a base for a creamier texture.
3. Add Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle fresh thyme or basil after baking for a burst of aroma and color.
4. Go Crustless
Want a lighter version? Use a flatbread or naan as the base.
5. Add Crunch
Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a bit of crunch and richness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead
-
Prepare the balsamic glaze and sautéed mushrooms up to 2 days ahead.
-
You can also pre-roll the dough and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Storage
-
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to keep the crust crispy.
Freezing
-
While this pizza is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked base with toppings (minus glaze), then add the glaze after reheating.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Slice, Approximate – 1 of 8 slices)
-
Calories: 210
-
Protein: 7g
-
Carbs: 22g
-
Fat: 10g
-
Fiber: 1g
-
Sugar: 3g
-
Sodium: 270mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on crust thickness, cheese quantity, and added toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pizza with:
-
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
-
Roasted beet salad with arugula and walnuts
-
Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
-
Sparkling water with fresh lemon or cucumber
It’s a great meal for casual nights, small dinner parties, or even a romantic dinner for two.
Reader Reviews
“I served this for my book club, and it disappeared in minutes! The balsamic glaze makes it taste so fancy.”
— Claire R.
“My husband didn’t even miss the meat. The goat cheese and mushrooms were so flavorful!”
— Tina W.
“I used store-bought flatbread and it still turned out amazing. Will definitely make again.”
— Jordan K.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy gourmet, veggie-forward meals like this one, try:
-
Caramelized Onion and Feta Flatbread
-
Grilled Vegetable Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan
-
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Portobellos
-
Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
-
Goat Cheese and Beet Tart with Puff Pastry
These recipes pair beautifully with this pizza or stand strong on their own for plant-forward, delicious meals.
A Delicious Twist on Pizza Night
This Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach proves that pizza night doesn’t have to mean heavy or ordinary. With rich mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, fresh greens, and a sweet tang from the balsamic drizzle, this dish feels elevated without being complicated.
Once you try it, it just might become your new go-to pizza—perfect for sharing, but so good you may not want to.
Why Balsamic and Goat Cheese Are a Perfect Pair
The sweet acidity of balsamic vinegar and the tangy creaminess of goat cheese create an unforgettable flavor pairing. Together, they strike a beautiful balance—each bite is rich, bold, and subtly sweet. This combination is often seen in upscale bistros, but it’s surprisingly easy to recreate in your home kitchen.
Ideal for Meatless Mondays
Looking for a satisfying vegetarian dinner option? This pizza checks all the boxes. It’s meat-free but full of umami thanks to the sautéed mushrooms and goat cheese. Add a simple salad or roasted vegetable side, and you’ve got a balanced, nourishing meal that everyone will enjoy—even the carnivores in your household.
Hosting a Pizza Night? Add This to the Menu
This pizza makes a stunning addition to any homemade pizza night spread. Serve it alongside a classic Margherita, pepperoni lovers’ pie, and maybe even a BBQ chicken pizza for variety. Its bold flavor and unique toppings will impress your guests and elevate the entire menu.
Make It Seasonal
This recipe is a great base for seasonal customization. Try adding:
-
Butternut squash or sweet potato slices in fall
-
Asparagus or fresh peas in spring
-
Heirloom tomatoes in summer
-
Caramelized onions or sautéed kale year-round
Eating seasonally enhances flavor, supports local produce, and adds variety to your meals.
Leftover Ideas: What to Do With Extra Toppings
Have extra mushrooms, goat cheese, or spinach on hand? Put them to use in:
-
Omelets or frittatas
-
Savory crepes
-
Grain bowls with quinoa or farro
-
Stuffed sweet potatoes or portobellos
-
Grilled sandwiches or paninis
Nothing goes to waste—and you get a head start on your next meal.
Print
Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Balsamic Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza with Spinach is a gourmet-style flatbread that’s earthy, tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Caramelized balsamic mushrooms sit atop a thin crust layered with sautéed spinach, creamy goat cheese, and melted mozzarella — the perfect elegant twist on homemade pizza night.
Ingredients
-
1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing crust)
-
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
-
1 cup baby spinach leaves
-
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Balsamic Mushrooms:
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
-
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
-
1/2 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
-
Prepare the mushrooms:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and soft. Add balsamic vinegar, stir to coat, and cook for 1–2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. -
Sauté the spinach:
In the same pan (or a new one), lightly wilt the spinach in a drizzle of oil for about 1 minute. Set aside. -
Assemble the pizza:
Roll out dough on parchment paper to your desired thickness. Brush edges with olive oil. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly. Top with wilted spinach, balsamic mushrooms, and red onion (if using). Crumble goat cheese over the top. -
Bake:
Transfer pizza to the hot oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. -
Serve:
Let cool slightly, slice, and drizzle with extra balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes